1. GEMBA WALK STAGE
Across all stages
2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a flowchart method to illustrate, analyze and improve the steps required to deliver value (a product or service) to the customer. Value stream maps enable teams to identify the flow of process steps, tasks, operations and information from the origin to the delivery of the finished product or service to the customer. It engages teams to identify the current state and design a future state of the process in order to put in place an action plan to transition from the current to the desired future state.
VSM uses a system of symbols to depict various work activities and information flows and it is very useful to include information such as cycle times and resources. VSM is especially useful to find and eliminate waste and non-value adding activities, as well as the value adding activities. Items are mapped as adding value or not adding value from the customer’s standpoint.
3. HOW TO USE VALUE STREAM MAPPING IN THE GEMBA WALK
A Value Stream Map developed by the Gemba team provides a valuable overview of the current state (AS-IS) of the processes and highlights the potential improvement opportunities. The map is validated during the Gemba Walk by documenting real process steps and collecting data. The future ideal (TO-BE) state map is drafted by eliminating wasteful activities and streamlining the process. A roadmap for improvement activities is developed and persons responsible for are assigned to improve the process, eliminating wasteful activities towards the future state.
4. ROLES AND ACTIVITIES
Leader: Gathers the team to develop VSM, schedules and leads mapping activities, supports data gathering and allocates resources needed, monitors and tracks the new state after VSM. The VSM is extremely valuable during the Gemba Walk as it helps identify which steps entail problems in order to define improvement actions
Facilitator: Supports VSM process by coaching the leader and team members, provides templates and mapping tools, delivers trainings before VSM
Team member: Provides process insights, measures duration of activities, provides improvement ideas, develops future state VSM, proposes and supports action plan
5. EXPECTED BENEFITS FOR THE GEMBA WALK
Enables the discovery of wasteful and value-added activities from observations of the real workplace
Enables visualization of the current and future process
Provides a structured process improvement approach
Encourages knowledge-driven decision-making
Reduces process and knowledge waste
Creates better team alignment
6. ORGANIZATIONS THAT PERFORM VALUE STREAM MAPPING
Airbus Defence and Space, Barry Callebaut, CEMEX, IMC, Interface, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Swisscom